The Wild Rose School Division (WRSD) is ready for the school year, which starts today.

Brad Volkman, Superintendent for WRSD, said, “We are excited to start another school year of learning in Wild Rose School Division. In partnership with parents and our local communities we want to create powerful learning environments in each of our schools that focus on learning and wellbeing.”

With this new school year also comes a new curriculum being taught which includes:

• Grade 4-6 Math
• Grade 4-6 English Language Arts and Literature
• K-3 Science
• K-3 French Immersion Language Arts and Literature

Volkman noted, teachers met twice in grade level groups to work on planning and preparing for the new curriculum, once last year and just last week on Aug. 29. Volkman notes, the WRSD have been purchasing new resources and aligning their existing materials.

“We will continue to have professional learning sessions throughout the year as we learn about the new outcomes and support teachers along the way. Teachers have shifted to a strength based approach to focus on the positive aspects of the curriculum to support learners, making them feel confident to teach the new material,” said Volkman.

According to the WRSD, bus routes are adjusted at the start of each school year based on changes in student registrations and where students live.

Some routes will have more changes than others. The WRSD wants to remind everyone that with buses back on the road again, to stop whenever a bus turns on its red flashing lights. In addition, for those that are interested, bus contractors are always looking for additional drivers.

During the 2022-23 school year, WRSD opened two new schools: Charlotte Small Elementary in Condor and David Thompson High School in Leslieville.

Volkman shared, “Sometime during the 2023-24 school year, we will be opening the new Power House Campus in Drayton Valley. This will be home to both HW Pickup Middle School and Drayton Christian School. We do not have a finalized date for this opening but are hoping it will be sometime mid-year.”